Saturday, September 23, 2006
Atlantic Division Preview
Preview for the NHL's Atlantic Division:
Philadelphia - The Flyers traditionally rely on grit as much as skill, and they appear to have taken the same approach this year. The top line of Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne, and Mike Knuble is a good blend of skill and toughness, though Forsberg typically misses a month or two injured. Keith Primeau's retirement left a hole at center, but Mike Richards and Petr Nedved should be able to pick up some of the slack. The defense lacks firepower after Joni Pitkanen, but Mike Rathje, Denis Gauthier, and Derian Hatcher are usually reliable in their own end. As usual, there is a goaltending controversy in the Flyer net, with both Robert Esche and Antero Niitymaki battling for the starters job. The Flyers should be a threat to win the division as usual, but after 31 years, the fans want to see the Cup drought end.
NY Rangers - It looks like GM Glen Sather realised that his team was too soft after, as could be predicted, his Euros led by Jaromir Jagr were swept in the opening round of last season's playoffs. He signed Brendan Shanahan, Matt Cullen, and Aaron Ward. All Stanley Cup winners who add some grit and toughness as well as skill. With Jagr, Straka, and young Petr Prucha to supply offense, the Rangers should not have a problem scoring goals. The defense isn't flashy, but under-rated Marek Malik, Michal Rozsival, and company get the job done. (However, it remains to be seen if power play quarter-back Tom Poti's 3 goals will be missed) As long as Henrik Lundqvist avoids the sophomore jinx, the Rangers' goaltending will be fine and they will battle Philadelphia for the division title.
New Jersey - As it stands right now, the Devils might actually the best team in the Atlantic Division, but due to salary cap problems they will be forced to trade away a couple of good players for draft picks. One of, or possibly even two of Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, John Madden, Colin White, and Bryan Rafalski will have to be dumped unless GM Lou Lamoriello can find takers for Alex Mogilny and Dan McGillis who are making several million dollars a year to play in the minors. But as long as they have Martin Brodeur in the nets they have a chance. Patrik Elias will be fully healthy to start the season this year, and guys like Jamie Langenbrunner and Sergei Brylin lead an abundance of quality second and third liners. Paul Martin and David Hale should be fixtures on the blueline for years to come, and are both coming into their own to compliment Rafalski and White. Regardless of who gets traded, the Devils should still have a good chance at making the playoffs.
Pittsburgh - Sidney Crosby and the Penguins could surprise some people this year. With Corsby they have a legitimate Art Ross candidate, and if he lives up to all the hype, Evgeni Malkin should be the front runner for the Calder Trophy. Other young players like Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, and Ryan Malone have the potential to put up decent numbers. Veterans John LeClair and Mark Recchi are on their last legs, but can still provide leadership to the rookies. On defense Sergei Gonchar, for all of his shortcomings, can still put up 60 points. The younf trio of Brooks Orpik, Ryan Whitney, and Noah Welch should be good down the road if not already, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has consistenly improved. The Penguins might not quite have what it takes to make the playoffs, but dont be surprised if they give some teams a run for their money.
NY Islanders - After a few steps in the right direction, the duo of owner Charles Wang and GM/President or whatever title you want to give Mike Milbury has run the franchise back into the ground. The hiring of Neil Smith as GM was a good decision, but unfortunately he was unwilling to be Milbury's puppet and was replaced by Garth Snow, who quickly signed goaltender Rick DiPietro to an assanine 15 year contract. Now that ensures that the Islanders will be solid in the nets this year, but if DiPietro falters they're stuck with him. Speaking of huge contracts, Alexei Yashin is now half way through his 10 year deal and has yet to put up numbers similar to his time in Ottawa. Mike York, Jason Blake, Trent Hunter, and Miro Satan can score as well, but overall they lack firepower upfront (unless Yashin and Satan actually show up to play, which generally isn't the case). The defense was a sore spot last year but has been improved with the acquisitions of free agents Brendan Witt and Tom Poti. There are some bright spots, but as a whole things seem to be once again going down the toilet on the island.
Philadelphia - The Flyers traditionally rely on grit as much as skill, and they appear to have taken the same approach this year. The top line of Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne, and Mike Knuble is a good blend of skill and toughness, though Forsberg typically misses a month or two injured. Keith Primeau's retirement left a hole at center, but Mike Richards and Petr Nedved should be able to pick up some of the slack. The defense lacks firepower after Joni Pitkanen, but Mike Rathje, Denis Gauthier, and Derian Hatcher are usually reliable in their own end. As usual, there is a goaltending controversy in the Flyer net, with both Robert Esche and Antero Niitymaki battling for the starters job. The Flyers should be a threat to win the division as usual, but after 31 years, the fans want to see the Cup drought end.
NY Rangers - It looks like GM Glen Sather realised that his team was too soft after, as could be predicted, his Euros led by Jaromir Jagr were swept in the opening round of last season's playoffs. He signed Brendan Shanahan, Matt Cullen, and Aaron Ward. All Stanley Cup winners who add some grit and toughness as well as skill. With Jagr, Straka, and young Petr Prucha to supply offense, the Rangers should not have a problem scoring goals. The defense isn't flashy, but under-rated Marek Malik, Michal Rozsival, and company get the job done. (However, it remains to be seen if power play quarter-back Tom Poti's 3 goals will be missed) As long as Henrik Lundqvist avoids the sophomore jinx, the Rangers' goaltending will be fine and they will battle Philadelphia for the division title.
New Jersey - As it stands right now, the Devils might actually the best team in the Atlantic Division, but due to salary cap problems they will be forced to trade away a couple of good players for draft picks. One of, or possibly even two of Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, John Madden, Colin White, and Bryan Rafalski will have to be dumped unless GM Lou Lamoriello can find takers for Alex Mogilny and Dan McGillis who are making several million dollars a year to play in the minors. But as long as they have Martin Brodeur in the nets they have a chance. Patrik Elias will be fully healthy to start the season this year, and guys like Jamie Langenbrunner and Sergei Brylin lead an abundance of quality second and third liners. Paul Martin and David Hale should be fixtures on the blueline for years to come, and are both coming into their own to compliment Rafalski and White. Regardless of who gets traded, the Devils should still have a good chance at making the playoffs.
Pittsburgh - Sidney Crosby and the Penguins could surprise some people this year. With Corsby they have a legitimate Art Ross candidate, and if he lives up to all the hype, Evgeni Malkin should be the front runner for the Calder Trophy. Other young players like Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, and Ryan Malone have the potential to put up decent numbers. Veterans John LeClair and Mark Recchi are on their last legs, but can still provide leadership to the rookies. On defense Sergei Gonchar, for all of his shortcomings, can still put up 60 points. The younf trio of Brooks Orpik, Ryan Whitney, and Noah Welch should be good down the road if not already, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has consistenly improved. The Penguins might not quite have what it takes to make the playoffs, but dont be surprised if they give some teams a run for their money.
NY Islanders - After a few steps in the right direction, the duo of owner Charles Wang and GM/President or whatever title you want to give Mike Milbury has run the franchise back into the ground. The hiring of Neil Smith as GM was a good decision, but unfortunately he was unwilling to be Milbury's puppet and was replaced by Garth Snow, who quickly signed goaltender Rick DiPietro to an assanine 15 year contract. Now that ensures that the Islanders will be solid in the nets this year, but if DiPietro falters they're stuck with him. Speaking of huge contracts, Alexei Yashin is now half way through his 10 year deal and has yet to put up numbers similar to his time in Ottawa. Mike York, Jason Blake, Trent Hunter, and Miro Satan can score as well, but overall they lack firepower upfront (unless Yashin and Satan actually show up to play, which generally isn't the case). The defense was a sore spot last year but has been improved with the acquisitions of free agents Brendan Witt and Tom Poti. There are some bright spots, but as a whole things seem to be once again going down the toilet on the island.
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